Learning Objectives: Recognize the need to utilize practical approaches in order to develop and implement a comprehensive, culturally competent tobacco control program in diverse community based organizations.
Abstract: This project focuses on the evaluation of the systematic changes necessary to implement the Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence (Guideline) in four Health Centers (Centers) in Chicago. The Centers serve more than 70,000 people in ethnically diverse low socioeconomic communities including African American, Hispanic, Homeless, and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals.
This presentation will discuss the cultural factors including the disproportionate rates of smoking, concurrent complex health needs, provider knowledge of use of the Guidelines, and resource available for effective smoking cessation programming at the Centers.
The methods used to study the above include; a literature review regarding global issues related to tobacco control, a provider survey regarding their knowledge of tobacco use among their clients/populations, and their current use of the Guidelines.
The results of these surveys indicate the pervasive impact of smoking on the health of these communities. While smoking rates have decreased for adults in the US, they have not decreased for the communities served by the Centers. Results also indicate that providers are generally unaware of the Guidelines and lack both system and finical resources to implement effective smoking cessation programming. In addition, the Centers’ clients systematically lack access to effective smoking cessation programming due to lack of financial resources. In summary, the evidence from these surveys indicates a need to develop and implement a comprehensive, culturally competent tobacco control program at the Centers. The developed programs could become model programs for other centers serving similar cultural groups.
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